Juicy derby clashes on cards as playoffs kick off

FOOTBALL: Melbourne City will know by Friday night if the club is an elimination final win away from a derby semi-final with Melbourne Victory.

The A-League playoffs were confirmed on Sunday night after a thrilling final day of the regular season in which 16 goals were scored in two matches.

Brisbane came back from two goals down to defeat Wellington 4-3 at Suncorp Stadium, before Perth beat Melbourne City 5-4 in a crazy game at nib Stadium that tied the A-League record for goals scored in a match.

It means that Brisbane finished the regular season in third, securing a Friday night elimination final against Western Sydney at Suncorp Stadium.

City and the Glory, meanwhile, will do it all again on Sunday night, this time at AAMI Park.

While Sunday night's loss did not cost City a home final, it has all but cost them the chance of qualifying for the Asian Champions League.

City's owners are desperate to see the team play in Asia, but the only way it can now do so next year is if it wins the A-League grand final on May 7.

Premiers Sydney FC and runner-up Melbourne Victory have a week off.

Sydney will play the lowest-ranked elimination final winner at Allianz Stadium in the semi-final.

If the Wanderers were to defeat the Roar on Friday, that would set up a thrilling Sydney derby in the final four.

It would also pave the way for City to play Victory in the semis.

However, if Brisbane wins on Friday it will take on Victory in the semi-finals, with the winner of the City-Glory clash to play Sydney.

The City-Perth game replicates last year's elimination final at AAMI Park, which City won 2-0.

The Roar-Wanderers showdown is a rematch of last year's thrilling semi-final which Western Sydney won 5-4 after extra time. Brisbane won the 2014 grand final between the two sides.